Insider says Nick Robertson likely to be dealt despite re-signing with Maple Leafs
Insider says forward Nick Robertson is likely to be dealt despite re-signing with Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Tuesday morning that they've re-signed forward Nick Robertson to a one-year contract with a cap hit of $875,000.
Robertson became a restricted free agent back in early July and it was unclear what his future looked like with the Toronto Maple Leafs and despite re-signing with the team on Tuesday, one insider believes it's still more likely that the 22-year-old is dealt before opening night.
Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli reported on Tuesday that the belief around the NHL is that Nick Robertson is likely to be dealt by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Seravalli added that by re-signing Robertson, it makes him an easier asset to move than it would have been if he was still a restricted free agent.
There is still solid interest in Robertson. And it's always easier to trade an asset under contract as opposed to an RFA, which helped him sign." Seravalli said.
Robertson hasn't gotten the opportunities he would have liked with the Maple Leafs so far and given how strong the team's top-six forward group is, there isn't really a chance for him to break into that, meaning he'd have to settle for a bottom-six role once again. Despite the limited opportunities minutes-wise last season, Robertson showed that he can be a useful player in the Maple Leafs' lineup. In 56 games, he put up 27 points (14 goals, 13 assists).
With the Maple Leafs expected to sign veteran forward Max Pacioretty to a PTO as soon as today, it creates another barrier for Robertson to get ice time in Toronto's lineup and it wouldn't be shocking if a trade is in place before the team opens training camp late next week.
| POLL | ||
10 SEPTEMBRE | 101 ANSWERS Insider says Nick Robertson likely to be dealt despite re-signing with Maple Leafs Will the Maple Leafs trade Nick Robertson before opening night? | ||
| Yes | 54 | 53.5 % |
| No | 47 | 46.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
